A Culinary Journey Through Serious Eats' Top 2017 Dishes
As we often reflect on the content that truly resonates, the year 2017 stands out for delivering an exceptional blend of insightful narratives and groundbreaking culinary explorations. While many platforms shared their favorite posts of 2017, Serious Eats, in particular, carved out a remarkable space with its captivating stories and innovative recipes. It was a year of breaking traffic records, welcoming new talent, and navigating significant personal milestones for the team, all while consistently churning out top-tier recipes, techniques, and features.
From the profound cultural exploration embedded in a bowl of groundnut soup to the surprising versatility of vinegar on the grill, Serious Eats showcased a diverse palate of flavors and narratives. These weren't just recipes; they were experiences, reflections, and invitations to look at food, and life, from fresh perspectives. Let's dive into some of the most memorable culinary contributions that made their list of favorite posts of 2017.
The Soul-Stirring Story of Groundnut Soup in Ghana
Among the standout pieces, Sara’o Bery's "East, West, Then Backward: Falling for Groundnut Soup in Ghana" offered far more than just a recipe. It was a deeply personal and beautifully composed narrative that underscored the profound connection between food, family, and identity. Bery recounted a study abroad trip to Ghana where, despite hopes of cultural embrace, she felt "othered" and withdrawn, both from her fellow travelers and the local community.
What makes this piece a timeless read, and certainly one of the favorite posts of 2017, is its raw honesty and introspection. Bery didn't shy away from the complexities of cultural immersion or the challenges of finding one's place. The story masterfully weaves the significance of mealtimes and family gatherings into its emotional fabric, ultimately landing the reader with an incredibly delicious, peanutty, and meaty groundnut soup recipe. This dish isn't just sustenance; it's a symbol of connection, a gateway to understanding, and a comforting embrace. The article serves as a powerful reminder that food often carries stories much richer than its ingredients, offering solace and connection in unexpected ways.
- Insight: Food narratives like Bery's elevate a simple recipe into a powerful cultural document, illustrating how personal experiences shape our relationship with what we eat.
- Actionable Tip: When exploring new cuisines, seek out the stories behind the dishes. Understanding the cultural context can deepen your appreciation for the flavors and traditions.
Revolutionizing the Grill with Vinegar: Unexpected Flavors
For those who love to fire up the grill, Michael Harlan Turkell's summertime series on grilling with vinegar was a game-changer and undoubtedly one of the favorite posts of 2017 for many. Beyond the sheer joy of rooftop grilling sessions and cold beers in Brooklyn—experiences that personal connections often bring to professional undertakings—Turkell’s recipes themselves were nothing short of brilliant. He demonstrated an unparalleled creativity in utilizing vinegar, not just as a tart afterthought, but as a central player in grilled foods.
Vinegar, often overlooked beyond salad dressings, proves to be a secret weapon for grilling, capable of:
- Balancing Richness: Its acidity cuts through fatty meats and rich marinades, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Tenderizing: A key component in many marinades, vinegar helps break down tough fibers, leading to more tender results.
- Adding Depth: Different vinegars (balsamic, cider, rice, red wine, Japanese black vinegar) bring unique notes—sweet, fruity, sharp, umami—that can transform a dish.
- Creating Glazes & Sauces: Reduced vinegars can form incredible glazes, while vinegar-based sauces like chimichurri add vibrant freshness.
- Practical Tip: Don't limit yourself to one type of vinegar. Experiment with different varieties (e.g., sherry vinegar for Spanish dishes, rice vinegar for Asian-inspired marinades) to discover new dimensions of flavor in your grilling.
Cheesy Bread: A Masterclass in Comfort Food Writing
It takes a special kind of talent to write about cheesy bread without the piece itself becoming, well, cheesy. Sohla El-Waylly achieved this with remarkable grace and wit, making her post on cheesy bread another of Serious Eats' favorite posts of 2017. Her writing was lauded for being full of "easy-to-digest, cheese-filled wit and wisdom," captivating readers from the very second line, where she cleverly integrated her wedding vows into a declaration of love for cheesy goodness.
Sohla’s genius lies in her ability to infuse even the simplest comfort food with personality, humor, and practical knowledge. She demystifies the process, making what could be intimidatingly gourmet approachable for everyone, all while maintaining an engaging narrative voice. Her writing serves as a testament to the idea that even the most humble dishes deserve thoughtful consideration and celebration. It reminds us that sometimes, the greatest culinary pleasures are found in the familiar, elevated by passion and a dash of playful wisdom.
- Insight: Engaging food writing can transform even the most common dish into something extraordinary, by focusing on personal connection, humor, and clear, accessible instruction.
- Recommendation: Seek out recipes that speak to you not just through ingredients, but through the author's unique voice and perspective.
Beyond the Kitchen: Workplace Wisdom from Ask a Manager's 2017 Picks
While Serious Eats delighted our taste buds, another platform offered a different kind of nourishment: practical, empathetic, and often witty advice for the workplace. Ask a Manager also shared its favorite posts of 2017, providing a fascinating counterpoint to the culinary world. These posts delved deep into the complexities of human interaction, ethical dilemmas, and the unspoken rules that govern our professional lives.
From navigating deeply personal and ethical challenges, such as managing an employee harmed by one's own family with "incredible care and compassion," to tackling the nuances of workplace etiquette and social norms, Ask a Manager proved to be an invaluable resource. The discussion around "What’s the deal with advice columns?" highlighted a universal fascination with problem-solving and human drama. Other notable mentions included an employer's dilemma when a "coworker came to work dressed as Jesus"—a prime example of why seemingly funny actions need careful employer consideration—and the delicate balance of personal identity versus professional boundaries, as explored in "I’m in a dominant/submissive relationship — can I wear a collar to work?" These are topics that extend Beyond Resumes: Top Workplace Challenges & Social Norms of 2017.
These posts weren't just about rules; they were about understanding the human element in professional settings. Alison Green's "I yelled at our intern" directly addressed how managers should operate, emphasizing responsibility and constructive feedback. The exploration of social authenticity in "Saying “how are you?” feels inauthentic to me" offered a fresh perspective on everyday interactions. And the deeply personal "Update: my company wants to sponsor me for a service dog, but I’m not sure I should accept" touched on complex decisions involving support, independence, and employer relationships. Finally, "A decade of Ask a Manager" celebrated the enduring legacy and impact of a platform dedicated to fostering better workplaces.
The Lasting Resonance of 2017's Top Content
Looking back at the favorite posts of 2017 from both Serious Eats and Ask a Manager reveals a shared commitment to authenticity, depth, and engagement. Whether it was through the evocative power of food narratives, the innovative spirit of culinary experimentation, or the empathetic navigation of workplace challenges, these pieces continue to resonate.
They remind us that truly valuable content transcends fleeting trends. It's about storytelling that connects, advice that empowers, and ideas that inspire us to look at our world, and our plates, with renewed curiosity and understanding. The blend of serious insight and delicious inspiration from 2017 serves as a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted content across diverse fields.
